DEAD Talks

In this provocative and hilarious episode of DEAD Talks, comedian Ari Shaffir joins David Ferrugio for a conversation that dives deep into religion, death, and the afterlife—through the raw and unapologetic lens only Ari can bring. From psychedelic trips to personal encounters with mortality, Ari shares candid stories and challenges traditional beliefs about life, faith, and what might come after....

What if profound loss could open the door to a deeper spiritual connection? In this moving episode of DEAD Talks, Charlotte Helliker shares her journey from devastating grief to discovering her mediumship abilities. Charlotte opens up about: How losing a loved one unlocked her ability to connect beyond the veil The powerful signs and messages she’s received from the other side The intersection of...

What happens when death isn’t just personal—but part of your daily work? Retired LAPD Detective Moses Castillo reflects on the most haunting cases from his 30-year career, including homicides, child abuse, and missing persons investigations. He opens up about: The emotional toll of confronting death and tragedy day after day Supporting first responders and families after 9/11 Survivor’s guilt and...

In this explosive episode of DEAD Talks, actor and storyteller Gianni Russo (best known as Carlo in The Godfather) shares unbelievable tales from his extraordinary life—mixing Hollywood glamour with mafia danger. Gianni opens up about: Surviving polio and becoming a trusted confidant of mafia bosses Killing Pablo Escobar’s right-hand man in self-defense Wild encounters with Marilyn Monroe, JFK, an...

TV personality Kat Timpf joins DEAD Talks to share her personal journey through grief after losing her mother to a rare disease, and how that loss shaped her path into motherhood. In this candid conversation, Kat opens up about: The misconceptions of death and grief portrayed in the media The comfort (and limits) of religious beliefs when facing loss How humor became a powerful coping mechanism He...

In 2016, popstar Christina Grimmie was tragically shot during a fan meet-and-greet—an event that shocked the world. In this deeply emotional episode of DEAD Talks, her brother Marcus Grimmie, who was standing beside her that night, recounts the harrowing experience and his ongoing journey of grief and resilience. Marcus shares: His firsthand account of that night and the aftermath of unimaginable...

The holidays can be one of the hardest times to face after losing a loved one. In this special episode of DEAD Talks, host David Ferrugio reflects on the unique challenges of navigating grief during the holiday season. David shares: His 23-year journey of facing holidays after losing his father on 9/11 Personal stories that highlight the importance of feeling all emotions, both joy and sorrow Hear...

Hospice Nurse Penny returns to DEAD Talks with her unfiltered perspective on death, dying, and what the end of life really looks like. With years of bedside experience, she shares stories of deathbed visions, spiritual encounters, and the profound lessons the dying teach the living. In this episode, we cover: The reality of working in hospice and what patients reveal in their final days Competing...

America’s top psychic medium Matt Fraser joins DEAD Talks to share his insights on the afterlife, spirit guides, and messages from beyond. In this emotional and eye-opening conversation, Matt opens up about: How spirits communicate with the living What really happens to the soul when we die The role of spirit guides in grief and healing A live reading he gives to David, offering personal clarity a...

Death & Soul Doula Mary Telliano joins DEAD Talks to share her extraordinary experiences supporting families and the dying during their final transition. Drawing on her practice, Mary reveals how psychedelics and plant medicine can ease suffering, open spiritual doorways, and even facilitate near-death experiences. In this episode, we explore: How plant medicines are being used to support the dyin...

Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider—physician, podcast host, and founder of End Well—opens up about her father’s pancreatic cancer diagnosis and the lessons she’s carried from both sides of the patient-caregiver relationship. In this deeply personal and professional conversation, we explore: The emotional turmoil of being both a doctor and a daughter How the BRCA mutation shaped her family’s medical journey...

What really happens to our souls when we die? In this fascinating episode of DEAD Talks, psychic medium Malaurie Hotier returns for Part 2 to dive deeper into the mysteries of the afterlife. She explores: What happens to the soul at death The possibility of reincarnation and soul contracts The nature of intuition and new souls Why some souls may feel “ripped apart” during transition Listener quest...

In this courageous episode of DEAD Talks, Gabriella Lester—a renowned magician and escape artist—opens up about her raw and deeply personal journey with loss, grief, and survival. After losing her boyfriend to suicide just weeks after their breakup, Gabriella faced overwhelming emotional turmoil. She bravely shares not only that story, but also her own past suicide attempt at 16, offering a rare p...

In this extraordinary episode of DEAD Talks, psychic medium Alyssa Conger shares her powerful journey of grief, spiritual awakening, and connection to the other side. After the tragic loss of her father to suicide, Alyssa discovered her heightened ability to see and sense death—before and after it happens. She opens up about experiencing vivid death scenes, receiving intuitive downloads, and the p...

After serving 19 years behind bars, Jesse Crosson’s story is one of resilience, loss, and redemption. Sentenced to 32 years in prison at just 18, he reflects on losing his father while incarcerated, navigating childhood trauma, and finding healing through therapy, meditation, and writing. His journey explores the mental toll of prison, the power of second chances, and how resilience can turn pain...

Can science explain what happens after death? In this thought-provoking episode of DEAD Talks, Dr. Alex Pozhitkov explores the scientific and philosophical sides of mortality. From persistent cellular activity after death and gene activation in human brains to the resilience of cells and studies in regenerative medicine, he dives into discoveries that challenge how we understand life’s final momen...

A near-death experience that changed everything. In this powerful episode of DEAD Talks, Mary Helen shares her transformative NDE following a devastating car accident in 1991. While out of her body, she gained insights that challenged her understanding of faith and death. She explores themes like soul agreements, the non-linear nature of time, and the process of spiritual healing. Her journey also...

Comedian and TV personality Rachel Bonnetta joins DEAD Talks for a raw and surprisingly funny conversation about grief, mental health, and the quirks of life. Rachel opens up about her struggles with OCD, the heightened sensitivity she felt after her father’s death, and how those experiences shaped her career in comedy. We explore themes of loss, cultural views on death, and the unexpected ways hu...

Legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk opens up about death, grief, and the lessons he’s carried forward after losing both his parents and a close friend. He reflects on how those experiences shaped his perspective on life, his career, and his relationships. From his father’s unwavering support of his skateboarding dreams to his mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s, Tony shares candid stories of navigating...

Dr. Gladys McGarey, the “Mother of Holistic Medicine,” was 103 years old when she recorded this conversation. In one of her final interviews before her passing, she shared her extraordinary wisdom on living a meaningful life with purpose, joy, and love. Our discussion revolves around her powerful concept of the “Five L’s”—Life, Love, Laughter, Labor, and Listening—and how they intertwine to create...

What happens when three psychic sisters share their gifts together? In this eye-opening episode of DEAD Talks, I sit down with the “Trinity Oracles,” three sisters who claim unique psychic abilities—hearing, seeing, and feeling spirits. They open up about connecting with loved ones beyond, the mysteries of reincarnation, spiritual guidance, and the afterlife. Along the way, they share fascinating...

I sit down with my family to recount our experiences from September 11th, 2001—the day we lost our father, and my mother lost her husband. Recorded at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City, this raw and intimate conversation explores the initial shock, the lifelong impact of that day, and the complexities of grieving together as a family. We reflect on the enduring emotions of loss, resilience, hope,...

Ex–Navy SEAL and bestselling author Brandon Webb joins DEAD Talks to share the mindset, mental tools, and resilience strategies that carried him from combat missions to civilian life. Brandon opens up about overcoming adversity, navigating loss, and rebuilding purpose after military service, while also reflecting on his personal journey from a difficult youth to becoming a Navy SEAL. This powerful...

In this heartfelt solo episode of DEAD Talks, David Ferrugio opens up about the lessons grief has taught him. Drawing from the loss of his father in the September 11th attacks, David shares how grief has shaped his outlook on life, love, and resilience. Through personal reflections, humor, and hard-won insights, he explores how perspective and choice can transform how we face challenges. This inti...

In this thought-provoking episode of DEAD Talks, we explore the mysteries of ancient civilizations, death, and the afterlife. Billy Carson, founder of 4BiddenKnowledge, shares insights into hidden history, spiritual awakening, and how trauma shapes transformation. We dive into the Emerald Tablets, the Anunnaki, human consciousness, quantum physics, and the science of multiverses, uncovering connec...